Fikayo Aderoju CSM, CSPO

Common Futures Conversations is the flagship youth initiative of the Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation, bringing together emerging leaders from across the world to exchange policy ideas, connect with decision-makers, and explore solutions to the global challenges shaping our future.

Selected as an Expert in Residence (EIR) at the University of Toronto’s Black Founders Network (BFN) to advise, mentor, and accelerate early-stage and high-growth startups within the ecosystem. Having built businesses from the ground up for over 7 years, I know firsthand the raw realities of the founder journey, the late nights, uncertainty, rejection, and the resilience required to carry a vision before anyone else can see it. In this role, I translate those lived experiences into actionable frameworks to help the next generation of Black entrepreneurs scale meaningful, high-impact enterprises. Core Focus & Impact: Personal Branding Architecture: Guide cohort founders in building powerful, authentic personal brands and refining their storytelling to command authority, build market trust, and stand out. Strategic Partnerships: Advise startups on identifying, negotiating, and unlocking high-value relationships designed to accelerate business development, secure resources, and drive growth.

The distinguished honor of being the first African youth to be celebrated as an Ontario Emerging Leader, an accolade bestowed by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and Her Honour, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Edith Dumont, at an intimate and momentous private dinner held at the esteemed Queen’s Park.

The Canadian Young Economic Forum (CYEF) aims to unite the brightest young minds across Canada to tackle pressing economic issues and generate job opportunities for young people in Canada. Through a dynamic integration of skills development, unparalleled opportunities, and motivation, CYEF cultivates a community of visionary leaders poised to shape the future of the Canadian economy.

The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers is the highest honour a young person between the ages of 15 and 24 can achieve for their outstanding volunteer contributions to our province. Recipients are those youth who through their actions and dedication, improve the quality of life in their communities, the province of Ontario, Canada , and even around the world and who have inspired other young people to volunteer. “I am excited to help present the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers to such an inspiring group of recipients,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont. Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “As we recognize their achievements, we also shine a light on their tremendous potential, and the bright future for Ontario that these youth represent.”

Strategic Leadership: Provide visionary guidance to advance Black inclusion initiatives across York University. Policy Development: Collaborate on crafting transformative policies that dismantle systemic barriers and promote equity. Advocacy: Represent and amplify the voices of Black students, faculty, and staff to drive meaningful change. Collaborative Innovation: Work with university leaders, stakeholders, and the broader community to implement impactful inclusion programs.